Information Submission Request to Square Enix

[Cem]

I noticed that Square Enix responded to the general request for an update thread. I am hoping by giving more pointed questions that we could get more direct answers to some of the major concerns from your playerbase. I think a lot of the frustation from players at this point is not knowing what is actually being done to get the servers back up and running.

To the person that is providing us these updates on this forum, I would like to thank you for taking the time to respond to our requests in your current crisis. Everyone on this board, my family, and friends are praying for your country and families.

Here are some of the main questions that I have seen repeatedly:

1. How does Square Enix plan to deal with having the servers online during the rolling blackouts? (Many global media sources claim that these rolling blackouts will last until the end of April.)

2. Are there any plans to move the data from the current server farm to an offsite facility what has stable power and internet connectivity?

Thank you,

Cem

[RAIST]

/signed

Raist

[Silvermane]

/signed Silvermane

[Ilax]

Yes please, we wan more info about SE planning.

Ilax.

[Lilbitz]

/signed Lilbitz

[Dauntless]

/signed .

[Flunklesnarkin]

I'm sure SE is holding onto information in some diabolical scheme


but seriously.. SE is a video game company.. how are they suppose to know specifics on the power grid..

This is probably what happens...

***SE gets letter from power company / local government
>>> SE posts information to us

There really isn't more "information" out there other than what SE gets from the power company / local government.

and its not like these rolling black outs are limited to just SE...

So if you doubt the veracity of information you are getting from SE you can check numerous other sources...


I really don't see what SE would have to gain from holding back information

[Relinaa]

/signed...

[Mirage]

I'm sure SE is holding onto information in some diabolical scheme


but seriously.. SE is a video game company.. how are they suppose to know specifics on the power grid..

This is probably what happens...

***SE gets letter from power company / local government
>>> SE posts information to us

There really isn't more "information" out there other than what SE gets from the power company / local government.

and its not like these rolling black outs are limited to just SE...

So if you doubt the veracity of information you are getting from SE you can check numerous other sources...


I really don't see what SE would have to gain from holding back information

They are a video game company, yes, but they most likely have quite a bit of tech heads dealing with the management of all those servers they've got, and the power management of them. These guys would probably try to keep themselves as informed about these issues as they can be.

[Flunklesnarkin]

I realize this.. but i don't see what they would have to gain from witholding any information they might glean from this...

and running/managing a server farm is a looot different than running a cities power grid

[Jalonis]

I realize this.. but i don't see what they would have to gain from witholding any information they might glean from this...

and running/managing a server farm is a looot different than running a cities power grid

SE has always been a company that has absolutely horrible communication with their customers. We want this to change and want them to communicate with us on the points in the OP.

[Ilax]

wow Flunklesnarkin, happy you not in charge of any company.

They can find alternative and i am sure they are working on it. I am sure @ SE someone already put on table what are these option, and pretty sure they are trying to restore the service. Problem here is people start to worry about it and all SE tell us is how they analyzing the situation...

If you think we should just stop at the info that TEPCO said, then don't even think the game will be up anytime soon, (not till end of April, if really lucky) If you look what other web site talking about don't expect anything to come back for up to a year..

Is SE sinking in the crisis? Always possible, and of course Fan wan to be up to date, of course is not the end of Japan, but can be for SE if situation is not fix anytime soon specially with no information about whats going on.

Any time soon can be 1 month, 2 month, 3 month, etc, is free to anyone to figure if it worth to wait that much, but hey to me more then 1 week with 0 info released about them, is already too long.

[Cenz]

/ signed... I cant see them just sitting around and waiting and i def look forward to the servers to come back. I myself will come back when they are back up regardless... But there might not be anyone else to come back with... things dont look good atm ... i would really like to hear something in the form of what steps they will take or are currently taking ... I think thats only fair to what u can see is a very loyal fanbase. Once again i realize this is a video game and probaly not the main concern of those dealing with the situation... but since so many have devoted a insane amount of time to the company would be great to hear a little more about how there gonna go about it if they are doing anything at all.

[Flunklesnarkin]

Be as happy as you want....

Just keep wishing hard enough and SE will spend millions of dollars to fix a temporary situation.. because you are too impatient to let the relief efforts take their course.

a week isn't too bad.....

even if the game is down 2 months.. thats hardly worth spending millions on moving everything.. not to mention the logistics of getting people to a new building.. acquiring a new building.. all the legal bull they gotta go through etc..

2 month wait is simpler and better for everybody.

It would be interesting if they released a cost chart to show how much it would cost to implement all these "fixes" you guys keep suggesting..

I'm certain the monthly fee would be in triple digits

[Krashport]

I noticed that Square Enix responded to the general request for an update thread. I am hoping by giving more pointed questions that we could get more direct answers to some of the major concerns from your playerbase. I think a lot of the frustation from players at this point is not knowing what is actually being done to get the servers back up and running.

To the person that is providing us these updates on this forum, I would like to thank you for taking the time to respond to our requests in your current crisis. Everyone on this board, my family, and friends are praying for your country and families.

Here are some of the main questions that I have seen repeatedly:

1. How does Square Enix plan to deal with having the servers online during the rolling blackouts? (Many global media sources claim that these rolling blackouts will last until the end of April.)

2. Are there any plans to move the data from the current server farm to an offsite facility what has stable power and internet connectivity?

Thank you,

Cem

^These kind of Members, "Think SE owe them something" Makes me laugh.



An important announcement regarding the suspension of game service has been posted on the Information section. Please click the link below to view the official announcement.

Temporary Suspension of the Services Due to an Earthquake (http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/polnews/news20541.shtml)

>>>>>>>Please be advised that we will continue to operate the official websites, forums, and the SQUARE ENIX Support Center to be able provide our customers with updates on the current situation. <<<<<<<<

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding of this unusual situations.

[Ilax]

Lmbo would be funny if you on titanic (when it was sinking) and read such of useful info. Even if SE would update info saying: "We apologize there actually no alternative to restore the service" that would be already better than say nothing at all, at least we know from this point what are our option.

[Krashport]

titanic (while it was sinking)

Does anyone have a PSP!!!!?? I want to play FF and get lvl50~ lol

[RAIST]

Please people, if you are serious about wanting more details about what SE is doing, just state somehow that you agree or disagree with this request. Let's not let this go all off the wall like the other threads.

All that is needed here is a simple response to sign or not sign-on to this request.

Raist

[breau]

/signed
breau, alexander/bastok

[Vlaid]

Actually, if you go on to TEPCO's official website, and look at the full listing of all areas affected by the rolling blackouts~ You'll notice that Shibuya Ward, Tokyo (Location of SE HQ and the servers) is not on the list of affected areas. This is mainly because the Shibuya station, one of the largest and most necessary railway stations in all of the greater metropolitan areas, encompasses this ward of Tokyo. This means that Square Enix is a willing participant in the act to conserve energy and are not subjugated to the same mandatory power downs as a lot of other areas of the Kanto region. Additionally, TEPCO only confirms that the rolling blackouts are scheduled through the 24th of March. Keep in mind that only the Dai-ichi plant is currently experiencing "issues" (to put it lightly). The Dai-ni and the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plants are still functional, though they are currently "shut down" until they've cooled the reactors at Fukushima Dai-ichi.

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/11031901-e.html

/signed~

[Mnejing]

/signed
yes, please!

[Cem]

I am glad to see that other people agree with my original post. Yes, I am aware of communication issues in the past, and I also am aware of the fact that most people asking the questions ask them in a very vague way and are not very direct. My two questions are very direct and to the point. As one poster tried to go off on a tangent about how it's TEPCO that we need to ask, I ask that you please re-read my questions. If these rolling blackouts last for months, how will SE keep their servers up during their blackout phase. As for the person that thinks that I am entitled to something, you are exactly right. I do feel entitled that a company that is having issues/problem with a service that I have been paying for and will continue to pay for in the future gives me an update with some form of detail. A generic we are working on it would be fine if it were a day or so downtime. This is not that case. Any company on this plant has an obligation to their customers to be as open as possible to their customer base when they are experiencing prolonged technical difficulties.

[Baroka]

/signed

Baroka/cerberus

[Gravionblack]

/signed Gravionblack/Odin

[Tiduzs]

/signed tidusz/phoenix

[Knighhtmare]

Hey SE I know your country going through a crisis and all but when can we play our game again.

[Cupofnoodles]

the lulz would prolly sign this....

[Kailea_Nagisa]

they did not "answer" the other thread because it was there, they posted there because that was the best place for people to see the info (at least the ones that where crying) we will get info again when SE gets some solid news themselves or on the 22nd, witch ever comes first, it wont be because of this -.-

[NightDagger]

they did not "answer" the other thread because it was there, they posted there because that was the best place for people to see the info (at least the ones that where crying) we will get info again when SE gets some solid news themselves or on the 22nd, witch ever comes first, it wont be because of this -.-

I do not believe this. I am sure they posted in the other forum just for the fact that there was little to no arguing, only insightful thoughts. Alot of people on here have questions & there are some people that have experience working with the said "Servers". I am sure that due to that fact the other thread has been active with little to arguing they felt that would be a good place to update everyone. Would you have prefered they placed it in the "Increase cap of abyssea"?

On another note people are not asking that SE informs us of the exact date they are turning the servers back on but more an idea of the steps they are taking/planning to take to get the servers back up. I am sure they DO have a good understanding as to what they will be doing if the blackouts are going to continue through April & it is THIS that people would like to hear. If SE were to say "Due to the continuous rolling blackouts that are happening in the Tokyo area we are unable to effectively run the servers. We have been talking about a possible re-location of the servers to a more secure location but at this time we are unable to confirm if this is going to be a viable solution. Thank you for your continued support and we will update you when we have a little more insight as to the actions we are going to take."

This is not hard to ask from a company that relies on their servers to make money, and we want their servers up so we can play the game we love so much. I do not see people saying "I want the date you are turning them online" just an update of their thoughts is all.

Sorry for the little rant, but some people just have a hard time reading a "whole" thread & instead pick the ones they will read.

/signed & fully supported

[Arconis]

I am sure SE is doing there best to get servers back up and running ASAP. Please remember this is first time in 9 years that servers have been down for any length of time but any info is always appreciated. I can wait as long as it takes to get things settled so that once servers back up they stay up.

/signed Arconis - Fenrir

[RAIST]

@ nightdagger

Thank you for your perspective on this. Please people, this is supposed to be a civil request for information. Let's be a little more professional about this. All the OP is aiming for is a little more information from SE on just what is going on. A simple note to state your agreement/disagreement (yes/no, etc) is all that is required here.

If you want to troll or debate the issue of whether or not it is valid to request more info, or complain about the complaining, or whatever else under the sun please do it elsewhere--there are at least a dozen other threads for that already.

Raist

[viion]

The questions in the OP have nothing to do with the powerplanet/power grid or anything outside SE's control.

Look at the questions lol both of them are to do with what SE are going to do with the Servers.

[Protey]

Be as happy as you want....

Just keep wishing hard enough and SE will spend millions of dollars to fix a temporary situation.. because you are too impatient to let the relief efforts take their course.

a week isn't too bad.....

even if the game is down 2 months.. thats hardly worth spending millions on moving everything.. not to mention the logistics of getting people to a new building.. acquiring a new building.. all the legal bull they gotta go through etc..

2 month wait is simpler and better for everybody.

It would be interesting if they released a cost chart to show how much it would cost to implement all these "fixes" you guys keep suggesting..

I'm certain the monthly fee would be in triple digits

why would it cost millions, no need to move the servers, just get an alternate power source. i've seen servers and systems power requirements handled by generators. all you need is fuel. and no, those generators do not cost much.

[Arconis]

It wouldn't cost millions but wouldn't be cheap either. Say they run on generators with cost of fuel today and they would need several generators. Because its not just FFXI servers its POL and FFXIV aswell then on top of that you have the cooling systems to keep all servers cool then all support computers. Its just not cost effective cheaper for them to just shutdown and wait it out.

[Protey]

no, i'm talking all of that. you don't need 100 generators or anything, it takes but a few to handle all of the servers, support computers, and cooling systems. A generator creates a lot more electricity than one might think and it doesn't require that much fuel. The one's i'm used to using generate 50,000 watts. But there are one's that do produce even more than this.

and actually it would be more cost effective, because the revenue generated far, far exceeds the cost of generators.

[Alderin]

/signed - have to type more then that to post..

[Seyomeyo]

/signed. clearly they have to have some plan formulated if the situation is going to be reevaluated on the 22nd. I don't think it's farfetched to ask for some general idea of what's being tossed around in the office.

[Kailea_Nagisa]

/signed. clearly they have to have some plan formulated if the situation is going to be reevaluated on the 22nd. I don't think it's farfetched to ask for some general idea of what's being tossed around in the office.

yes it is, the customer does not need to know what office banter is being thrown around to solve an internal issue -.-

and no there are still other problems, generators might not fix the problem, you have to think about ISPs in the area, are they working, is the one that SE uses working?

[RAIST]

/signed - have to type more then that to post..

lol

Think it's a minimum of 10-20 characters to post. Guess <enter>'s carriage return mark counts as one, as this worked:


/signed

Raist

[breau]

/signed
10

[Vlaid]

It wouldn't cost millions but wouldn't be cheap either. Say they run on generators with cost of fuel today and they would need several generators. Because its not just FFXI servers its POL and FFXIV aswell then on top of that you have the cooling systems to keep all servers cool then all support computers. Its just not cost effective cheaper for them to just shutdown and wait it out.

You do realize that by not charging subscribers for the month of April they are losing -at least- $647,500 per 50k people still active. That's not even including mules..

[Sanddie]

/signed Sanddie

[Flunklesnarkin]

Yo Cem.. I'm really happy for you.. and imma let you finish.. but SE had the best response of all time.. OF ALL TIME


Temporary Suspension of the Services: Follow-up

Below is an update regarding the temporary suspension of the FINAL FANTASY XIV, FINAL FANTASY XI, and PlayOnline services.

Originally, we announced that the services will be temporarily suspended for about a week starting on Mar. 13, 2011 3:00 (PDT). However, due to ongoing issues with the lack of energy, we have decided to extend the suspension until Mar. 22, 2011 (JST). We will re-evaluate the situation on Mar. 22, 2011 (JST) and provide everyone with another update regarding this matter.

We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your continued understanding of this unusual situation.

[Date & Time]
From Mar. 13, 2011 3:00 (PDT)

[Affected Service]
- FINAL FANTASY XIV
- FINAL FANTASY XI
- PlayOnline

* The following services, normally accessible from the official PlayOnline homepage (http://www.playonline.com/), will be unavailable during this time.

- Friend List Plus
- FINAL FANTASY XI Linkshell Community Beta Version
- PlayOnline Friend List Application
- Community Site Link Registration: Owner Menu

* Additionally, the following types of support will also be temporarily unavailable:
- PlayOnline Password Recovery
- PlayOnline Account Cancellation
- All activities requiring the confirmation of personal information


The answer to both your questions would seem to be

Mar. 22, 2011 (JST). We will re-evaluate the situation on Mar. 22, 2011 (JST) and provide everyone with another update regarding this matter.

We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your continued understanding of this unusual situation.

bolded for great justice


It might not be an ideal answer... but there is no point making a hasty decision... its only been a week

[annewandering]

/ Would be very interested in knowing their thoughts on what is being considered and maybe more what is not being considered. We debate forever on whether moving servers, adding alternative power etc is feasible. Would be interesting to know what their ideas on those ideas are. I am suspecting that neither is feasible right now but might be considered in the future.
Of course if they do answer then we get more debate on if their response is brilliant, stupid, insane or just too late. lol can they win either way?

[etsunetsu]

no blackouts last 2 days power company has actually been producing more energy than has been needed for the 19 and 20th

[Hawken]

/signed Hawken

[Alderin]

/ Would be very interested in knowing their thoughts on what is being considered and maybe more what is not being considered. We debate forever on whether moving servers, adding alternative power etc is feasible. Would be interesting to know what their ideas on those ideas are. I am suspecting that neither is feasible right now but might be considered in the future.
Of course if they do answer then we get more debate on if their response is brilliant, stupid, insane or just too late. lol can they win either way?

nope! :D

Don't you learn? What's FFXI without complaining?

[Dantel]

/sign thats all right?

[Cem]

Still would like for SE to review this thread and post answers.

[Coldbrand]

Yeah, SE could definitely post more updates than they have been. A daily status report would be nice, even if just a sentence or two.

[Tsukino_Kaji]

Yeah, SE could definitely post more updates than they have been. A daily status report would be nice, even if just a sentence or two.Ture, but it's hard when the situation is not their decision.

[Damage]

/signed {yes please} {take care} {everyone}

Damagen - Ragnarok

[Elysianne]

/signed Elysianne - Sylph

[Haglaz]

/signed~Haglaz, Leviathan

[Bigtop]

/Signed Bigtop

[Anela]

Yeah, SE could definitely post more updates than they have been. A daily status report would be nice, even if just a sentence or two.

Altho it would be nice, I suspect it would be: No Change in Status.....
Then, we would all start getting mad about "No Change" so I feel the way they have done it is probably best... all things considered....

[Dantel]

well today is the day we shall here somethign soon!

[Magnum]

/signed Magnum

[Flunklesnarkin]

Yo dawg. I heard you liked updates. So I got got you an update fo' yo update so you can update while you update.

[Beowolf]

/signed: Beo, Siren.

[Vlaid]

Lol, they locked the thread "Can we have an update on the situation"

[Keelie]

Lol, they locked the thread "Can we have an update on the situation"

thats because it went way off topic

[Tsukino_Kaji]

thats because it went way off topicThere were several warnings by mutilple MODs. lol

[chrism]

/signed

I only wish to know how SE will maintain the servers during the rolling blackouts, tyvm :)


Warrioroflight - ASURA

[Vlaid]

/signed

I only wish to know how SE will maintain the servers during the rolling blackouts, tyvm :)


Warrioroflight - ASURA

Square-Enix's HQ; Shibuya Ward, Tokyo (where the servers are located) are not subject to the rolling blackouts. Though it wouldn't matter, they have cancelled the rolling blackout implementation for 3 days straight.

[chrism]

Square-Enix's HQ; Shibuya Ward, Tokyo (where the servers are located) are not subject to the rolling blackouts. Though it wouldn't matter, they have cancelled the rolling blackout implementation for 3 days straight.


Thanks for the reply and info!